[pct-l] Gear vs gear vs gear

[lbakkar@hotmail.com (Linda Bakkar)]

I don't count the pole weight, because I will use poles regardless of
whether I use a tent or a tarp, or if I choose to sleep under the stars.  In
my case, poles are first and foremost to support my back and knees, and if I
used them for supporting a shelter (which I do), I would consider them
"multiple use".

Lindy


>From: CMountainDave@aol.com
>To: pct-l@backcountry.net
>Subject: [pct-l] Gear vs gear vs gear
>Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 19:06:03 EDT
>
>I've come to the conclusion that everyone is prejudiced towards the gear
>they
>already have. No one wants to admit that they made a bad choice when
>chosing
>gear or, worse yet, that they REPLACED bad gear with bad gear. For a matter
>of pride, they are going to swear by their supposed experience in chosing
>gear.
>  What is really needed is something like consumers report to test and
>recommend gear without prejudice. Something that is not likely on this list
>given the tarp vs tent and down vs synthetic discussions. (Has anyone
>tried,
>say, 20 pairs of shoes, 10 tents or 10 sleeping bags. Unless you have how
>can
>you possibly say what's best?), or the store clerk who gets 2 weeks off a
>year to field test gear. Or a magazine that advertises backpacking gear.
>  Now for my prejudice: I've hiked exclusively since 1978 with a down bag,
>mostly in near temparate rain forest conditions. It has never been wet. My
>conclusion: a bag can be kept dry no matter what the weather conditions are
>or their duration. One simply has to make it a point. I go prepared: I
>carry
>a 1 pound bivy sack to use INSIDE the tent if necessary and 3 trash
>compactor
>bags. I make up for the weight by ditching 2 lbs of fuel, 1 lb of filter,
>1.5 pounds by using down instead of synthetic fill, and whatever hiking
>poles
>weigh.
>   Choosing gear to fit the situation is expensive. I'd rather have a one
>size
>fits all even if a little more weight is involved. One can guess what the
>conditions should normally be, but weather has extremes as well as
>"averages." One just has to decide if saving weight is worth being
>misersable
>for short, infrequent 1 to 3 day hypothermic events. I say no.
>  A question for tarp users: When you add the weight of a ground cloth, bug
>netting and hiking poles, where's the weight advantage over a -3 lb tent?
>Those items gotta weigh at least 2 pounds, or don't you count the pole
>weight
>because they aren't on your back
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